Information from the Pima media relations department contributed to this report:
The Pima Community College women’s basketball team’s season came to a close Saturday on the final day of the NJCAA Division II National Tournament with a 65-47 loss to Arkansas State University Mid-South in the seventh-place game.
The Aztecs, whose season was delayed more than four months because of COVID-19 protocol, finished their season with a 5-5 record.
“Many people may look at eighth place as a disappointment, but not me,” Pima coach Todd Holthaus is quoted as saying by Pima’s media relations department. “This team overcame Zoom calls, COVID tests, postponement after postponement, cancellations and every other setback and yet, they persevered.
“The goal: make it to nationals and play on the last day. Mission accomplished.”
Holthaus is in position to reach his 300th career win at Pima next season, He has 297 wins.
Congratulations to @FamaaMaame on being selected to the NJCAA D2 All Tournament Team!! pic.twitter.com/5bnH3HIHZt
— Pima Women’s Basketball (@PimaWBB) April 25, 2021
Sierra Mich’l (NAU signee) finished the game with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks. Fellow sophomore Fama Thiam (headed to New Mexico State) also finished in double figures with 10 points. She also had eight rebounds and three steals.
Thiam was selected to the NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team.
AllSportsTucson.com wrote a feature on Thiam last season detailing her basketball odyssey from Senegal.
Couldn’t be PROUDER of this TEAM!! 😊
8th place in the Nation in a year full of Zoom meetings, Covid tests, postponements, more postponements, canceled games and uncertainty!
DAMN RIGHT I’m proud!! Thank you my AMAZING SOPHS!
💪🏽😉🧡@sheee_hoops14 @taylaanez pic.twitter.com/2Zhqhif8oY
— Todd Holthaus (@AztecCoachTodd) April 24, 2021
Sophomore Nikya Orange of Tanque Verde had seven points and six rebounds while sophomore Aaliyah Ortiz of Palo Verde contributed with six rebounds and five assists.
The Pima bench scored 19 points. Sophomore Tayla Nez and sophomore Melissa Simmons each had six points. Sophomore Keara Felix grabbed eight rebounds.
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